How do you make thyroid healing broth? A Step-by-Step Guide

Recent research highlights the significant link between gut health and proper thyroid function, especially for autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's. This means that making a healing broth rich in gut-supportive and anti-inflammatory nutrients, specifically designed for thyroid health, is an effective dietary strategy.

Quick Summary

This guide provides easy-to-follow recipes for both bone-based and vegetable-based broths, focusing on nutrients like selenium, zinc, and iodine that support thyroid function and gut health. It also details the ingredients to use and avoid for optimal results.

Key Points

• Supports Gut Health: Broth, especially bone broth, provides gelatin and glutamine to help repair and seal the gut lining, which is crucial for autoimmune thyroid conditions.

• Rich in Minerals: Slow simmering extracts key minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus from bones and vegetables, all necessary for thyroid function.

• Anti-inflammatory: Ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and certain amino acids help reduce systemic inflammation throughout the body.

• AIP Friendly Options: Both bone and vegetable broth recipes can be easily adapted to comply with the Autoimmune Protocol by omitting certain ingredients like black pepper.

• Soothes Digestion: The easy-to-digest nature of broth provides nutrients without taxing the digestive system, promoting better absorption and soothing the gut.

• Provides Key Nutrients: Adding seaweed to vegan broth ensures an adequate, but not excessive, source of iodine, a critical component for thyroid hormones.

Why Choose a Thyroid Healing Broth?

For individuals managing thyroid issues, particularly autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto's, addressing gut health is a cornerstone of recovery. The gut-thyroid axis is a well-documented connection, where intestinal permeability, or "leaky gut," can trigger autoimmune responses. A well-crafted thyroid healing broth can deliver easily digestible nutrients, amino acids, and minerals that help soothe inflammation, support gut repair, and provide essential building blocks for hormone production. By choosing the right ingredients and cooking methods, you can create a powerful, restorative food to incorporate into your daily routine.

Gut-Healing Benefits of Broth

Broth, especially bone broth, is rich in gelatin, collagen, and amino acids like glutamine and glycine.

• Gelatin and Collagen: These compounds help repair the lining of the gut, reducing permeability and soothing inflammation.
• Glutamine: A crucial amino acid for intestinal and immune cell health, it fuels the repair of the gut lining.
• Glycine: This amino acid has anti-inflammatory properties and supports overall detoxification.
• Minerals: A slow simmer extracts important minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus from bones, which are vital for many bodily functions.

How to Make Thyroid Healing Bone Broth

This recipe is designed to be nutrient-dense and supportive of both thyroid function and gut healing. Using high-quality, organic ingredients is key.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs organic chicken or grass-fed beef bones (use chicken feet for extra gelatin if desired)
• 1 large yellow onion, quartered
• 2-3 carrots, roughly chopped
• 3-4 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 bunch fresh parsley
• 6-8 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 1-inch piece of turmeric root, sliced or grated
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps draw minerals from bones)
• Filtered water to cover
• Sea salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast the bones (optional but recommended): For a richer flavor, roast the bones on a baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes until browned.
2. Combine ingredients: Place the bones and all vegetables in a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Cover with water: Fill the pot with enough filtered water to cover the ingredients by 1-2 inches.
4. Simmer for flavor: Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a very low simmer. Cook for a minimum of 12 hours, and up to 24-72 hours, skimming any scum that rises to the surface. The longer it simmers, the more concentrated the nutrients will be.
5. Add parsley: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the fresh parsley.
6. Strain and store: Once cooked, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids. Let it cool before storing it in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 6 months.

How to Make Thyroid Healing Vegan Broth

For those on a plant-based diet or managing a histamine intolerance, a vegetable broth can still be highly beneficial for thyroid support. This recipe incorporates iodine-rich seaweed and other anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups filtered water
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms (fresh or dried)
• 2 onions, roughly chopped (leave skins on for color)
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 1-inch piece of turmeric root, grated
• 1-2 strips kombu or dulse flakes (for iodine)
• 1 bunch fresh parsley
• Sea salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté aromatics: In a large stockpot, sauté the onions, celery, carrots, garlic, ginger, and turmeric with a small amount of coconut oil for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
2. Combine and simmer: Add the water, shiitake mushrooms, and kombu/dulse. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for about 1 hour.
3. Add parsley: Stir in the fresh parsley during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
4. Strain and store: Strain the broth and discard the solids. Store the liquid in glass jars in the refrigerator or freezer.

Comparison: Bone Broth vs. Vegan Broth

Feature	Bone Broth	Vegan Broth
Primary Nutrients	Collagen, gelatin, glycine, glutamine, calcium, magnesium	Iodine (from seaweed), antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds
Gut Healing	Excellent, provides building blocks for gut lining repair	Supportive, provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits
AIP Compliant	Easily adaptable (ensure no peppercorns)	Easily adaptable; ensure all ingredients are AIP friendly
Best For	Targeting leaky gut, boosting mineral intake, collagen support	Plant-based diets, managing histamine intolerance, gentle detox

Other Important Considerations

• AIP Modifications: For those on an Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), remember to omit black peppercorns from bone broth recipes and ensure all ingredients are compliant.
• Iodine Balance: While essential, excessive iodine can be detrimental, especially in autoimmune conditions. Using a small amount of seaweed like kombu or dulse provides a balanced dose without overdoing it. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
• Medication Timing: If you take thyroid medication, consume your healing broth at a separate time to avoid potential interference with absorption. Wait at least 30-60 minutes after taking medication before consuming broth or other foods.

Using Your Broth for Maximum Benefit

Healing broth isn't just for sipping. You can use it in many ways to boost your nutrient intake:

• Morning Ritual: Start your day with a warm mug of broth instead of or alongside coffee to support your gut and provide a dose of minerals.
• Soup Base: Use it as a base for nutrient-dense soups featuring vegetables like sweet potatoes, spinach, and mushrooms.
• Cooking Liquid: Replace water with healing broth when cooking rice, quinoa, or other grains for added flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Making thyroid healing broth is a simple and proactive step toward supporting your thyroid health. Whether you choose a collagen-rich bone broth or a nutrient-packed vegan version, integrating this restorative food into your diet can aid in gut healing, reduce inflammation, and supply essential vitamins and minerals. By focusing on whole, organic ingredients and paying attention to your body's specific needs, you can create a delicious and therapeutic broth to support your journey to wellness. For more insights on the connection between diet and thyroid health, read this article from Thyroid Pharmacist: Bone Broth for Thyroid Health - Dr. Izabella Wentz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought broth instead?

Store-bought broths often contain added MSG, preservatives, and lack the high concentration of minerals and collagen found in homemade versions. For genuine healing benefits, making your own broth is strongly recommended.

How do I make the broth AIP compliant?

To make bone broth AIP compliant, ensure you are using compliant vegetables and herbs, and omit spices like black peppercorns. For vegetable broth, use only AIP-compliant plants and seasonings.

Is it better to use chicken or beef bones for thyroid health?

Both chicken and beef bones offer excellent nutritional benefits. Chicken bones are often favored for their high gelatin content, while beef bones can provide a richer, deeper flavor. The best choice depends on your personal preference and dietary needs.

How often should I drink thyroid healing broth?

Incorporating thyroid healing broth into your diet several times a week, or even daily, can be beneficial. You can sip it alone or use it as a base for other meals to consistently deliver nutrients and support gut health.

Can I add vegetables to the broth and then eat them?

Yes, you can leave the vegetables in the broth to eat as a soup, or puree them to create a thicker soup. However, if you are strictly focused on consuming a pure broth, straining the vegetables out is the best approach.

How long does homemade broth last?

Properly stored in airtight containers, homemade broth can last in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in smaller portions for up to 6 months.

Why is apple cider vinegar added to the recipe?

Apple cider vinegar is added to bone broth recipes because its acidity helps to pull the valuable minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus from the bones into the broth during the simmering process.